Lubbock Blizzard Recovery Facebook Page (Facebook)
By: Breanna Sanchez
During the week of Feb. 14, the polar vortex caused power outages and record low temperatures throughout Texas prompting West Texas community groups to offer relief to those in need.
Sara Lattimore, the admissions director at First United Methodist Church, said because they were aware the winter storm was coming, they were able to prepare resources ahead of time.
“We were just trying to sustain things, which felt different than other storms in the past, where it’s more responding to damage that happened afterwards,” Lattimore said. “This was trying to work together as a community to get through the duration of the storm.”
According to the National Weather Service, during a polar vortex, the danger arises when arctic air blows southbound into places that are typically not cold.
Many members in the Facebook groups wrote about different issues that emerged throughout the storm such as blackouts, freezing pipes, car trouble, and food shortages.
Lattimore said she and other members of the First United Methodist Church served food to about 200 people, assisted in home repairs, resourced Paul’s Project – Grace Campus with heaters, and provided the Salvation Army with hygienics. Lattimore stated they were able to spread the word to people who were in need, with the help of their church Facebook page and other online community groups.
Sign outside of First United Methodist, located at 1411 Broadway. (Breanna Sanchez)
Josh Terry, a local mechanic from Lubbock, said that in 2013, he and four other Facebook users formed a blizzard recovery Facebook group. The group was created in order to help those who suffered from car issues as a result of the snow.
Since then, the group has garnered more than 3,000 members and is continuing to grow as a result of the winter storm.
“Just, everybody needed help,” Terry said, “and the tow services were trying to charge them so much, so we decided to do it for free.”
In the “Lubbock Blizzard Recovery” Facebook group, members began to offer more than just a tow to stuck cars. As shown on the group’s Facebook page, members offered free rides and grocery pick-ups throughout the week of the freeze.
Lubbock resident Joey Hernandez has been a member of the blizzard recovery group since 2015. More recently, he and a friend started another Facebook group with the intent on helping even more people.
Hernandez said his new group, “Flatland Offroad- A West Texas Toyota Offroad Crew,” was created to bring together those who enjoy using their vehicles and assisting others.
During the polar vortex, Hernandez said he pulled several vehicles out of ditches. In addition to his towing help, he said he drove 28 people to work at University Medical Center.
“You know, I’ve done a lot of stuff overseas, and this is my way of helping people immediately around me,” Hernandez said. “I don’t mind getting dirty, I don’t mind bending stuff on my truck, I don’t mind breaking
Flatland Offroad – A West Texas Toyota Offroad Crew Facebook Page (Facebook)
a headlight, as long as somebody gets warm and gets food or whatever, you know?”
Lattimore mentioned the needs of people do not stop, whether as a result of COVID-19 or a winter storm. She said it is really important to be present within the community, especially for those who may depend on what is to offer.
“Yeah, I think Facebook and social media has really opened the doors so that we can work together and we’re not just working from one isolated perspective,” Lattimore said.
For those interested in joining the groups or obtaining assistance, you can visit their Facebook pages:
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